Monster 696 Extra's & Upgrades

[M696Gale]

Hey all,

Got my 696 booked in for a remap in 4 weeks. Is there anything else I can do to it, without spending massive amounts of money. Not expecting lots of power, otherwise I would of brought a bigger engine. What can I do to this one? Changing the sprocket to a 14teeth wont give me more bhp but will give me a quicker acceleration.

Any comments welcome.

Chris

[elgallo73]

I've only made a few modifications to my 696 but I will chime in anyways... I found the stock mirrors unusable (gave me a great view of my shoulder) so I replaced them with CRG bar end mirrors (3"). Excellent upgrade in my opinion although on a group ride I noted a fellow who somehow seemed to be able to use the stock mirrors on his 1100 Monster. If I had more time I would have asked him how he adjusted them.

I also replaced some of the stock hardware with stainless steel items, such as the coffin reservoir cap screws, among others...

Added a tank bag (Fieldsheer), removed the rear seat cowl and bikini mini-fairing (I think it looks horrible and despite some long rides, 600+ miles, still have not determined what functionality it adds to the bike).

Also ordered and installed a Triboseat cover for my daughter when she rides pillion.

From my reading, the 696 has the highest hp output per cc than any other Ducati (at least for the Monster series), so if you are looking for any more power, good luck...

How many miles do you have on yours? When I first purchased mine (2011 696), I noted that it would "pop" periodically and seemed somewhat lean. I now have 7150 miles on her and she runs great. I had considered taking the bike in for a remap shortly after purchasing.

I will have my first valve adjustment in around 300 miles and hope that it still retains the smooth running that I have now become accustomed to following shim replacement, if necessary.

Given my burgeoning waistline (205 lbs), the stock suspension left something to be desired. I adjusted the preload on the rear and have the part numbers to order the Racetech springs which should shore up the forks, about $109.00. If you fit this category (no pun intended), you could also shim the springs in the forks (there is an article here somewhere on how to do this).

Please let us know how the remap goes and if there are any improvements to power and general reliability!

[elgallo73]

One more note on the 14 tooth sprocket, MANY here have found it an excellent upgrade, I have yet to try it myself. Shortly after buying my bike I had wanted to lower the gearing. Now, after being broke in, I don't find that I have as many "around the town" issues with the stock gearing so I'm sticking with the 15 tooth (although I may go +1 on the rear when I replace my chain and sprocket).

Although I ordered the entire Euro setup to remove the carbon canister on my Monster, I'm still on the fence as to whether I will make the mod or not... If you want to make this mod, I can PM you the parts list I put together or you can visit one of the MANY companies who offer carbon canister removal kits (TPO parts, Monster Parts, CA Cycleworks).

I ordered the Euro kit to keep the bike as "stock" as possible...

[M696Gale]

Cheers elgallo73,

The bike is only on 2145 miles at the minute so still might need breaking in. I have ordered at 14T sprocket. Have kept it standard to look at apart from a few carbon upgrades, will get some pictures uploaded soon.

Also got a DNA Air Filter on its way along with the MiVV Suono end cans. Going to run it for a bit then decide weather to go for a Power Commando or have it remapped. I am happy with the power but would like the 'lumpyness' removed below 3,000rpm & raise the rev limiter on it too.

I am hunting all the forums/website/other places for upgrades that won't cost an arm & leg so will let you know if I come across anything.

Chris

[elgallo73]

If this helps, it seems that the Monster engines like to be between 4,000 - 6,000 rpm, so some "lumpiness" should be expected in the 3,000 rpm range. This is my first "L-twin" and compared to most cruiser twins which produce a great deal of torque lower in the RPM curve, the Desmo would appear to be a high performance version of a typical V-twin engine and consequently produce more power in the upper end of the RPM range.

I test rode the 796 recently and noted the same behavior as my 696, although it did seeem to produce more torque in the 4,000 range than my 696. The "jerkiness" around 3,000 was still there and I was not a big fan of how the clutch behaved... The 1100 seems to be the way to go if you are looking to upgrade straight from the 696 although I have not had the opportunity to test ride one.

From my point of view, it seems you are on the right track with remapping the ECU following installation of an aftermarket exhaust...